Audiobook Review ~ In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros

In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the Likely Event was a good book to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Carly Robins and Teddy Hamilton told the story. I was quickly swept away in the story and found it hard to pull away from the read. It was easy to get swept away in this Yarros read and be consumed by her world and characters.

I liked getting to know both Nate and Izzy in the present and the past. They had a complicated history that was full of drama and intense connections. The chemistry was still there between them despite the complications they have faced and having to protect Izzy in Afghanistan was a difficult task for Nate as he battled with his feelings for her.

I enjoyed getting to know these characters and watch them grow close once again. They had some issues to face, but they deserved the happiness that they could have together. This read had it all, suspense, heartache and devotion.

Title: In the Likely Event

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 1, 2023

When Izzy Astor gets on a plane to go home, she isn’t expecting much. It’s the usual holiday travel experience: busy, crowded, stressful.

Then she spots her seatmate, who is anything but ordinary. Nate Phelan sports dark hair, blue eyes, and a deliciously rugged charm that Izzy can’t resist. Their connection is undeniable. Izzy never believed in destiny before, but she does now.

Just ninety seconds after takeoff, their plane goes down in the Missouri River.

Their lives change. They change. Nate goes on to a career in the military while Izzy finds her way into politics. Despite a few chance encounters over the years, the timing never feels right.

Then comes a high-stakes reunion in Afghanistan, where Nate is tasked with protecting Izzy’s life.

He’ll do anything to keep her safe. And everything to win her heart.

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Audiobook Review ~ Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke

Between Now and Forever by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This was quite an amusing read to listen to! I enjoyed the way that Rachel Vivette and Oliver Clarke portrayed the characters, and I was immersed into the storyline right from the opening chapters. Honestly, the beginning of the book had me smirking and I knew I was going to enjoy the world that Adriana Locke created.

Gabrielle and Jay were amusing from the start; there was certainly an attraction that they both tried to deny. Gabrielle was determined to start her life over in her hometown with her sons and her cousin close by and I could see that she liked to do things herself. Jay just couldn’t help but get involved, although he tried to keep the small family next door at arm’s length.

I liked seeing the relationship between them all grow, not only Gab and Jay, but the relationship between Jay and the boys too. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but he tried hard despite the issues that he was trying to deal with and tried to protect his heart too. Truly, it was a fun and sweet read that I couldn’t help but be swept away with.

Title: Between Now and Forever

Author: Adriana Locke

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 17, 2024

Neighbors to lovers can be a risky proposition in this funny, sexy, and swoony romantic comedy between a single mother and the grumpy man next door by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke.

When Gabrielle Solomon falls, she falls hard. Even if that means literally toppling over a porch railing in nothing but a flimsy towel—right in front of her sexy new neighbor.

Jay Stetson is 100 percent hero material with those arms, that chest, and his deliciously oh-so-sexy smirk. The chiseled hunk in flannel has an irresistible off-limits attitude while plucking Gabrielle out of the bushes and saving her from a snake. Unfortunately, he’s not indulging in what Gabrielle is offering—not with his emotional train wreck of a past.

Just neighbors. Just friends. Or so he says.

Secretly, he’s smitten with the single, fierce mama bear of two who plays Miss Fix-It at the house next door. He doesn’t even really mind the noise or the chaos her young sons cause. What he does mind is how his lonely heart races when looking into her emerald-colored eyes.

Can Jay let his painful memories go, or will he let the woman of his dreams slip between his fingers?

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Audiobook Review ~ Variation by Rebecca Yarros

Variation by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Right from the opening chapters I knew that I would be swept away into this read! I needed to know more and to see how the characters had grown. It was interesting to see what they had lost and what they would give up for their families.

Allie was such a beautiful character. Her whole life she had been under the thumb of her mother and set to achieve everything she could in the ballet world, until she suffers an injury and returns to the home she spent summers in as a child. The loss of her sister all those years ago was still heavy on her shoulders, and when secrets unravel, she can see lightness in the world once again.

Hudson was such a wonderful man. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for his family. Having Allie around once more she forced him to chase his dreams once again and to not just settle. The chemistry between them was still fierce although they tried to make it a limited time thing.

These two were fabulous together and I loved meeting them. They both have wonderful support around them, and I enjoyed being in their world. Rebecca Yarros crafted this story beautifully and I could not get enough. I didn’t want this story to end and cannot wait to dive into future Yarros reads.

Title: Variation

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 19, 2024

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing comes a new contemporary romance about the summer a celebrated dancer returns home and unearths years of family secrets with the Coast Guard rescue swimmer she never forgot.

Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget rush in and threaten to take her under.

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath.

When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together, or drive them apart forever.

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Audiobook Review ~ Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan

Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I quite enjoyed listening to Dear Enemy. It was an easy story to get swept away in and seeing the characters grow along the way. It was interesting seeing Delilah and Macon interact considering what happened in their pasts. I could see that there was going to be more to it and was excited to see them confront what happened between them so long ago.

Delilah cared so much for family and would do anything she could to protect them. Stepping in when her sister took off with something precious of Macon’s was the least that she could do. I felt that she did too much for her sister Sam as she had not been the best sister to her when they were growing up. But watching Deliliah and Macon together I could see that there were feelings growing between them. Macon had been through some hard times of late and needed some help, so taking on Delilah was something he needed. I liked seeing them breaking down each other’s walls and the banter between them was amusing.

There was a bit of drama and intensity through the story, and this brought the characters closer together. I enjoyed the way that Maxine Mitchell and Sebastian York Narrated this story. They told Kristen Callihan’s story well and they kept me enraptured until the end.

Title: Dear Enemy

Author: Kristen Callihan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 31, 2020

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a smart romantic comedy about finding love with the most unlikely of people.

As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.

Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.

Delilah’s sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.

Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister’s theft. So she proposes a deal: she’ll pay off the debt by being Macon’s personal chef and assistant.

It’s a recipe for disaster, but Macon can’t stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there’s something about her that feels like home. Besides, they’re no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Royal by Susan Stoker

The Royal by Susan Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the first book in this series some time ago and was interested to get back into the world to see who would capture Cal’s heart. He was quite tough on himself due to what he had been through and his status as a royal. It was interesting seeing him go to DC to investigate an issue and to find June. He was willing to do anything for her despite her crappy stepfamily.

I enjoyed seeing June bloom away from her stepfamily. She came into herself and the town and was able to make friends. June and Cal fell for each other quickly and I enjoyed seeing them build a life together. It wasn’t always smooth sailing with fears coming into play, and the suspense element that came towards the end.

This was quite the enjoyable read to listen to. CJ Bloom and Jeremy York did a brilliant job of bringing Susan Stokers story to life. Their narration was fantastic, and I was quickly immersed into the world. I think the way that Susan Stokers made her own Cinderella spinoff was executed well.

Title: The Royal

Author: Susan Stoker

Series: Game of Chance #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: August 8, 2023

In this modern Cinderella story, New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker weaves a tale of stepfamilies, stalkers, and a suspenseful, sweeping romance that proves true love can conquer all.

Former military man and member of a royal family Callum Redmon can’t deny his sense of responsibility. So when his cousin’s latest love interest claims to have a stalker, Cal reluctantly meets with the young woman and her mother. He wants to write off the situation as a complete farce—if only his feelings for another member of the household could be as easily dismissed.

Since her father’s death seventeen years ago, Juniper Rose has been at the cruel beck and call of her stepmother and stepsister. Her fantasies of escape mean leaving behind her father’s beloved home, but enough is enough: when Cal offers her a way out sooner rather than later, June takes the leap.

Cal’s home in Maine with his military brothers seems like the safest place to start fresh. But as Cal and June’s fairy-tale romance blossoms into something real, they find that the dangers stalking them may have been real all along.

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Audiobook Review ~ Conspiracy of Magic series by Luanne G. Smith

The Raven Spell by Luanne G. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up The Raven Spell after reading the blurb and seeing that it had free audible, I was excited to listen to it. It didn’t take long to be immersed into the world building and the characters that Luanne G. Smith created.

It was interesting getting to know Edwina and her sister Mary. They had unusual powers that they used in their everyday lives that they tried to keep hidden. They each had different powers, and it was interesting on what they could do.

When Ian came into their lives, Edwina wanted to help him, and it wasn’t long until they were on a journey to unravel what happened to him and how he lost his memories. It was an exciting journey, and I was carried away with them. The ending was upon me quickly and I continued into the next book immediately.

Title: The Raven Spell

Author: Luanne G. Smith

Series: Conspiracy of Magic #1

Genre: Fantasy

Published: February 1, 2022

In Victorian England a witch and a detective are on the hunt for a serial killer in an enthralling novel of magic and murder.

After a nearly fatal blow to the skull, traumatized private detective Ian Cameron is found dazed and confused on a muddy riverbank in Victorian London. Among his effects: a bloodstained business card bearing the name of a master wizard and a curious pocket watch that doesn’t seem to tell time. To retrieve his lost memories, Ian demands answers from Edwina and Mary Blackwood, sister witches with a murky past. But as their secret is slowly unveiled, a dangerous mystery emerges on the darkened streets of London.

To help piece together Ian’s lost time, he and Edwina embark on a journey that will take them from the river foreshore to an East End music hall, and on to a safe house for witches in need of sanctuary from angry mortals. The clues they find suggest a link between a series of gruesome murders, a missing person’s case, and a dreadful suspicion that threatens to tear apart the bonds of sisterhood. As the investigation deepens, could Ian and Edwina be the next to die?

The Raven Song by Luanne G. Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Raven Song continued directly after the first book and despite what Edwina had lost, she was determined to unravel the mystery around Ian. They both worked together but it was soon very apparent that she was part of something bigger than what had happened to Ian.

They were separated for a time and things got a bit dicey there. Ian was determined to get back to Edwina, to protect her and ensure of her safety. As the story unravelled, things fell into place, and I was excited to see this story unfold and how it all entwined together.

I really enjoyed how Susannah Jones narrated this story. She portrayed the characters perfectly and I kept me engaged in the story. For my first series by Luanne G. Smith, I was quite impressed and enjoyed the story immensely.

Title: The Raven Song

Author: Luanne G. Smith

Series: Conspiracy of Magic #2

Genre: Fantasy

Published: October 11, 2022

Fleeing Victorian London, a witch finds her newfound independence comes with all-new perils—both mortal and immortal.

Forever untangling the branches of her strange family tree, Edwina Blackwood is at a turning point. Her parents’ disappearances still strike her as unaccountably odd. Her sister’s questionable life and untimely death have left her shaken. Spellfire has transformed her home and livelihood to ash. And now a devious stalker is on her trail. With supernatural detective Ian Cameron by her side, Edwina can’t get out of London fast enough.

Gaining safe passage, she finds refuge with Sir Henry Elvanfoot, famed wizard of the north, and is promised protection from ill-aimed curses. But in this unfamiliar city of fair folk and witches, where the veil between Earth and the Otherworld is about to be lifted, something is amiss. How else to explain Edwina’s sudden prophetic visions? Or the fear that surviving whoever pursues her will require the powers of an ancient bloodline she’s only beginning to comprehend?

Whatever destiny awaits, it’s Edwina’s to finally control. Where will it lead? Only time, cunning, and magic—in this world or the Other—will tell.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick and fun read to listen to. I liked how T & C met at such a young age and built a friendship over time, despite never meeting. The first part of the book is mostly via email, and the interaction was amusing. They shared a lot of moments and it was going to be a matter of time before they actually met. I enjoyed how it all unfolded, I just wished it was longer and we got more of the characters.

Title: The Exception to the Rule

Author: Christina Lauren

Series: The Improbable Meet-Cute #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella

Published: January 23, 2024

On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.

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Audiobook Review ~ The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse

The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the kind of book I usually read, but after reading the blurb, I thought this would be a good book to listen to. I found that it certainly was!! It was full of heartache, hurt and learning how to move on.

It was so hard for Nina to not only uproot her life but those of her kids, Connor and Declan. They were living in luxury and had to learn how to live with the bare minimum. It was difficult for the three of them, trying to find balance without the luxuries they used to have. I also liked that Nina was given a chance at something new and that she was able to thrive.

Nina’s sister Tiggy was great. She pushed Nina to make choices and to see that she was better than the rich housewife that she was. Their relationship grew and it was sweet to see how much they relied on one another. I liked the change for all of them, it was difficult, but they all grew into better people. It was a truly a moving read, and was a fantastic book to listen to.

Title: The Art of Hiding

Author: Amanda Prowse

Genre: Chick Lit

Published: July 18, 2017

What would you do if you learned that the life you lived was a lie?

Nina McCarrick lives the perfect life, until her husband, Finn, is killed in a car accident and everything Nina thought she could rely on unravels.

Alone, bereft and faced with a mountain of debt, Nina quickly loses her life of luxury and she begins to question whether she ever really knew the man she married. Forced to move out of her family home, Nina returns to the rundown Southampton council estate—and the sister—she thought she had left far behind.

But Nina can’t let herself be overwhelmed—her boys need her. To save them, and herself, she will have to do what her husband discouraged for so pursue a career of her own. Torn between the life she thought she knew and the reality she now faces, Nina finally must learn what it means to take control of her life.

Bestselling author Amanda Prowse once again plumbs the depths of human experience in this stirring and empowering tale of one woman’s loss and love.

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Audiobook Review ~ Dangerous Beauty by J.T. Geissinger

Dangerous Beauty by J.T. Geissinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first in a three-part series, and when I found it with free narration in KU you bet I snapped it up. Evalina’s story was slowly revealed throughout the read and my heart ached for what she had endured and escaped. She was finding her own way but was constantly looking over her shoulder, waiting to be snatched back up again. I liked seeing her interact with Nasir, and she slowly let her guard down a bit. However, he has his own agenda which is slowly revealed. Soon these two had decisions to make and it was hard for Evalina to trust the few people around her.

This was a good start to the trilogy. J.T. Geissinger introduced us to characters that I wanted to know more about and built a dangerous world that you can’t help but be immersed into. Aiden Snow and Lidia Dornet were new to me narrators and I feel that they did a great job at delivering the story. Admittedly, I have only read the first book in this series, and I need to get back into it to see how the story continues to unfold.

Title: Dangerous Beauty

Author: J.T. Geissinger

Series: Dangerous Beauty #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Published: March 26, 2019

A beautiful fugitive. A hot bodyguard. A high-stakes game of temptation.

For Nasir, former Special Ops military man and bodyguard, his new job seems like an easy-money gig: trail a Russian mobster’s runaway wife in Mexico, enjoy the sun, observe, and report. Just one rule: don’t get too close. But it’s all Naz can do not to watch the alluring dancer’s every move. A closer look is irresistible—especially when she’s in trouble.

Evalina escaped to the island getaway to live an untraceable life—as far away from the past as she can get. But Eva can’t ignore the dark, muscled stud who rescues her from a drug gang. He says he’s an ex-cop on vacation. When providence throws them together time and again, Eva thinks it’s all a beautiful coincidence. Now she’s giving in to a strange new sensation: trust.

But Naz has a mission to accomplish and a secret to keep. Eva has her share of secrets, too. And as the heat flares between them, Naz knows that trust could become the most dangerous impulse of all.

***Part one of a three part series.***

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Audiobook Review ~ The Best Laid Plans by Karla Sorensen

The Best Laid Plans by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a bittersweet read. I loved getting to know both Burke and Charlotte; they were only brought together due to the deaths of Burke’s best friend and his wife. Charlotte was hired to restore the house that was left to Burke. Things didn’t start well for them, as Burke really didn’t want anything to do with the house. Overtime he had to make decisions regarding the house and soon he had an interest in it as well as Charlotte.

Tension certainly was high in the carriage house that they had to share, and I could see they were falling for one another. Burke was still focused on getting back to football, but he was beginning to have doubts. Charlotte was very passionate about the work she did and loved having Burke there too. I loved her grandmother; she was very quick witted and offered advice to keep Charlotte on track and her heart open.

This was a cute read and despite the circumstances that brought them together, it was quite a light and entertaining read. I enjoyed the narration by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin. They were easy to listen to and told Charlotte and Burke’s story perfectly.

Title: The Best Laid Plans

Author: Karla Sorensen

Series: The Best Men #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 3, 2023

A tough-as-leather football player. A happy-go-lucky historian. It’s love against all odds in a warm and emotional romance about found family, friendship, and the restorative powers of the heart.

Former Dallas football player Burke Barrett is weathering a lot of changes. He’s retired from football. He’s mourning the loss of his best friend. And now he’s been bequeathed a dilapidated house in northern Michigan he doesn’t want. To his surprise it comes with a long-legged, blindly optimistic renovation manager with big ideas for Burke’s inheritance. She’s passionate, irritating, and irresistible.

Restoration expert Charlotte Cunningham is used to rough exteriors. This surly client, with his stubbled jaw, towering physique, and inflexible attitude, is worth smoothing over. The attraction sizzles, and a proposal is in order: a romantic tryst to relieve the tension. No strings attached. A safe bet for both of them since Burke is prepared to renovate, sell, and move on.

A pet project with an end date. Does that go for love too? Burke must decide what he really wants and what he’s willing to risk. He should know by now that the best-laid plans can change in a heartbeat.

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Audiobook Review ~ Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster

Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first read I have jumped into by Melissa Foster. I quite enjoyed it; I liked that the characters were a bit older and had lived a lot of life. Nicole was a newly divorced, successful author, needing to get her muse back and decided that a new town on the beach would do that for her. She was able to make all new friends and find the muse, as well as a new guy who – like her – wasn’t looking for a relationship either.

I enjoyed the interaction between Nicole and Declan. They really were fun together. Declan was such a nice guy, doing anything for those he cared about – anyone could rely on him. They had so many adventures together that made me smile… especially the Girl Scout cookies incident. My heart swelled for them both, they deserved true love and a proper chance at happiness. They both grew a lot through the few short months that they were together, even at this later stages of their lives.

I enjoyed the narration by Ava Erickson and Aaron Shedlock. They both told the story perfectly, and I was easily swept away with how they portrayed the characters. I will be on the lookout for more reads by these narrators, for sure. Melissa Foster capivated with her words and I will definitely pick up another read of hers in the future.

Title: Hot Mess Summer

Author: Melissa Foster

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 17, 2023

Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.

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